Shilpa Shetty Bastian: Fresh controversy has surfaced around Bastian Garden City, a Bengaluru-based pub co-owned by actor Shilpa Shetty. The establishment
recently faced police action and an Income Tax Department raid. The developments have sparked widespread discussion online. Following the backlash, the actor issued a strong public clarification, firmly denying all allegations.
On Wednesday (December 17), Shilpa responded to reports surrounding the case filed against two pubs, including Bastian Garden City, for allegedly operating beyond permitted hours. In a detailed Instagram statement, the actor firmly rejected the accusations.
Shilpa Shetty reacts to case against Bastian Bengaluru
“We categorically deny the baseless and motivated allegations being circulated. The issues sought to be raised are being given a criminal colour without any lawful basis. A Quashing Petition has already been filed before the Hon’ble High Court and is pending adjudication,” she wrote.
The case was registered by Bengaluru Police after an inspection reportedly found the pubs operating past approved timings. Bastian Garden City, located near Church Street, is operated by Bastian Hospitality, a venture founded by businessman Ranjit Bindra. Shilpa Shetty is said to have invested in the brand in 2019 and currently holds a 50 per cent stake in the Bengaluru outlet.
Adding to the scrutiny, the Income Tax Department conducted a raid at the Bastian pub near Church Street earlier this week. Officials have not yet released further details regarding the nature or findings of the action, with sources indicating that verification of records is ongoing.
The situation escalated after a CCTV video went viral on social media. The footage, reportedly recorded around 1.30 AM on December 11, showed a brief verbal confrontation between two groups of patrons inside the pub. While raised voices and heckling were visible, authorities confirmed that no serious physical altercation had taken place.
In her statement, Shilpa stressed cooperation with authorities and urged caution in public discourse. “Having fully cooperated with the investigation, we are sanguine that justice will prevail and have complete faith in the law enforcement authorities and the judicial system of our country. We respectfully urge the media to exercise restraint as the matter is sub judice,” she added.
Police officials confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that procedural checks are being conducted in accordance with the law. Legal experts noted that such cases often involve regulatory compliance issues rather than criminal intent, a point echoed by Shilpa’s emphasis on the matter being given a “criminal colour”.
